Job Description
About Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference.
Seeking talent near: Birmingham, AL; Decatur, AL; Montgomery, AL; Tuscaloosa, AL; Mobile, AL
Position Summary
Responsible for driving sales, developing business, and addressing customer needs within an assigned long-term care (LTC) territory. Manages relationships with prescribers, pharmacists, facility decision-makers, and other members of the LTC care team to ensure appropriate patients are identified, started, and maintained on therapy.
Primary Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong relationships with all members of the LTC resident care team, including physicians, physician-extenders (NP/PA), consultant pharmacists, dispensing pharmacists, and nursing facility leadership/staff.
- Promote Acadia products by delivering compliant clinical, disease state, and reimbursement education tailored to customer needs.
- Identify and address customer questions, concerns, and objections with advanced selling skills.
- Develop deep knowledge of customers, practices, and local/regional market trends; apply this insight to business planning.
- Create and execute quarterly territory business/action plans, leveraging data to maximize reach, frequency, and impact within budget.
- Provide guidance on pricing, reimbursement, and LTC-specific profitability parameters; act as liaison between customers and Acadia for access-related questions.
- Collaborate with sales management, territory teammates, and cross-functional partners (e.g., managed markets, marketing, operations, training) to address business needs.
- Represent Acadia at conferences, exhibits, product launches, and training sessions; contribute to regional and national initiatives.
- Mentor and train new/junior Sales Specialists; share field insights and participate in cross-functional projects.
- Maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements, company policies, and LTC regulations affecting medication use and resident care.
Knowledge & Expertise
- In-depth knowledge of neuroscience, LTC market dynamics, payer systems (Part A, Part D), specialty distribution, and applicable LTC regulations.
- Ability to position Acadia as a valued partner in the LTC community, earning recognition as a subject-matter expert.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and virtual engagement platforms (e.g., Zoom, WebEx).
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required; life sciences preferred.
- To qualify for Sales Specialist requires 3 years of sales experience with at least 1 year in pharmaceutical, and/or other related healthcare sales, with an emphasis on neuroscience preferred.
- To qualify for Sr. Specialist level, requires a minimum of 8 years of healthcare sales with at least 2 years of experience in complex or account-based selling environments is required.
- To qualify for Executive level, requires a minimum of 12 years of healthcare sales with at least 3 years of experience in complex or account-based selling environments is required.
- Advanced selling and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence diverse HCP audiences.
- Proven leadership, mentorship, and role-model capabilities at a regional level.
- Strong business acumen, organization, and self-motivation with a business ownership mentality.
- Must reside within the territory (or within 30 miles of its border) and, if required, within reasonable proximity to a major airport.
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record; ability to drive a company vehicle daily and travel independently by air. Travel may be up to 80%, including overnight stays and occasional after-hours work.
- Must meet vaccination and facility access requirements for customer visits and event participation.
Scope
Operates with a high degree of autonomy and expertise, addressing complex business challenges with creativity and sound judgment. Shapes territory strategy, influences regional initiatives, and acts as a trusted partner to internal and external stakeholders.
Physical Requirements:
This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication both in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedule or business needs.
Must reside within the territory (or within 30 miles of its border) and, depending on territory needs, within reasonable proximity to a major airport. Requires eligibility to drive a company vehicle and ability to travel independently by air. Travel may be up to 80% of the time, including occasional after-hours work based on business needs.
Position levels:
- Sales Specialist: $115,000.00-requires 3 years of sales experience with at least 1 year in pharmaceutical, and/or other related healthcare sales, with an emphasis on neuroscience preferred.
- Sr. Sales Specialist: $135,000.00- requires a minimum of 8 years of healthcare sales with at least 2 years of experience in complex or account-based selling environments is required.
- Executive Sales Specialist: $155,000.00- requires a minimum of 12 years of healthcare sales with at least 3 years of experience in complex or account-based selling environments is required.
#LI-REMOTE #LI-CA1
In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.
Salary Range
$124,000—$155,000 USD
What we offer US-based Employees:
- Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
- 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
- 15+ vacation days
- 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
- 10 days of paid sick time
- Paid parental leave benefit
- Tuition assistance
EEO Statement (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly what we describe here.
It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.
As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia’s career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at [email protected] or 858-261-2923.
Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.
California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy.
Canadian Applicants: Please seeAdditional Information for Canadian Residents within our Privacy Policy.
Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia within our Privacy Policy.
Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Acadia”). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.
